Indian
Institute for Peace, Disarmament & Environmental
protection (IIPDEP) and Indian
Campaign to Ban Landmines arranged- Remembering
Hiroshima-Nagasakievents
from 6 to 9 August 2009 in
Schools and Public places in India. We have clubbed the
Landmines and Cluster Munitions in this event. The theme
of the event was “Nuclear
bombs - Weapons of Mass Destructionand
Landmines, Cluster Munitions Weapons of Mass Destruction
in Slow Motion”.

The
event was arranged, collaboration with Raman Science
Center (-A Unit of National Council of Science Museums,
Government of India), International Physicians for
Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) and International
Network of Scientists and Engineers for Social
Responsibility (INE) on 6th August 2009 in Raman
ScienceCenter

Science
quiz. based on Nuclear Weapons, Landmines and Cluster
Munitions was arranged for the students. More than 200
students
from the 16 schools participated in the science quiz.
Prior to the quiz, school principal was informed the
topic of the quiz.

We
were astonished to observe that students thoroughly
prepare for the nuclear weapons, landmines, and cluster
Munitions and they answers very well. Winner were given
the certificates. Youths are the future of any country
and if they are informed-are ready to involve in
humanitarian issues. We have decided to target more and
more of future generation (youths) for the humanitarian
issue of nuclear weapons, landmines and cluster
Munitions.

Youth
members of Indian CBL from medical as well as
engineering colleges took active part for the success of
the event.

Youth
member of Indian CBL addressing the participants.

Dr.
Krishna Kamble. Head of Professor

Students
in the Seminar

10
YEARS OF MINE BAN TREATY: MAKING A DIFFERENCE ON THE
GROUND

On
the eve of 10 years of Mine Ban Treaty, Indian Campaign
to Ban Landmines has arranged Event Making a
Difference On the Ground - Public raising
&awareness events, Marches & Pubic Rally of
Landmines Affected and Survivorsin Sri
Ganganagar, Rajasthan (landmines affected state)
February 27,2009.

Prior
to Rally the meeting was arranged and landmines victims
put forward their vows and difficulties faced by them.

128
Landmine victims march to the city’s prominent
road culminating into public rally. Petition of demand
of landmines victims and Ban on Landmines and
Cluster Munitions was handed over to the Collector
head of the administration. The copy was also sent
through proper channel to the President of India, Prime
Minister, Defence, Home and Foreign Minister of India.

The
major demands of landmines victims are physical and
economical rehabilitation so they can continue as a
part of society. They strongly urge Government
of India to sign the Ban Treaty and Ban Landmines and Cluster
Munitions so they do not have to suffer in future, if
their demand of Ban will not be heard they will start
Non-violence movement on Gandhian principles.

Landmines
victims are residing near the border of entire
stretch of Rajasthan, Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.
They have faced the agony of 3 wars and suffered due to
planting of landmines by Indian Army. Landmine victims said, we
are living in the modern advance technological age and
absolute weapon of 2nd world war e.g. landmines must be
banned and alternate which will not be hazardous to the
civilians must be invented and use by Indian Army.

They
have also demanded to ban the Cluster Munitions as it is
also working same as landmines and killing and maiming
innocent civilians.

Petition
of demands was handed over to the Members of
Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly. and
concerned government officials for the rederessal of
their difficulties

Members of
Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly. Promised
that they will take this matter in Parliament and
strongly support for the Ban. Landmines
Affected and Survivors has created the solidarity
with public

Ramachandra,
who was tailor, lost his both eyes and hands in the
blast (this incident occurred in the filled which
was demined by Indian Army and handed over to the owner.)
People were moved by plight of Ramachandra. Electronic
as well as print media highlighted the photos of
Ramachandra.

Women
landmine victims in the rally

Landmines
victims in the rally

Parliamentarian
and political leaders leading the public rally

Ramchandra
lost both eyes and hand in the landmines blast

Landmine
victims in the rally

Landmine
victims narrating their vow in the meeting.

MINE
RISK EDUCATION WORKSHOPS
27 Feb 2009

After-
the event 10th MBT in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan on 27th
February . Mine Risk Education was arranged on February
28, 200for the students and villagers for border
town/village HINDUMALKOT which is 250 meter
from the India Pakistan border. Army check tower is in
village.

We
have also distributed the cartoon booklet DANGER :DO NOT
TOUCHto
the students and villagers.

MRE
in SchoolHINDUMALKOT

Student
with booklet DO NOT TOUCH

MRE
IN SCHAOOL KHANKHAN

After the
event 10th MBT in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan on 27th
February. Mine Risk Education was arranged on 28
February 2009 for the students and villagers for border
town/village KHANKHAN which is 497 meter
from the India Pakistan border.

We
have also distributed the cartoon booklet "DANGER:
DO NOT TOUCH" to the students and villagers. We
have also included Cluster Munitions in booklet.

I
am also sending the photo of India Pakistan border and
barbed wire facing. If you enlarge the photo you
can see the barbed wire and flood lights. The terrain is
very fertile and upto last points of border, farmers are
growing crops in their fields. In 2001 in Operation
Parakaram, mines were planted and villagers were
asked to vacate their villages. They stayed away from
their houses for one and half year as Internally
Displaced Persons. They also lost three Crops. Due
to fertile land, there are many casualties and still
some time civilians are losing their limbs due to
landmines.

MRE
IN SCHOOL KHANKHAN

INDIAN
CAMPAIGN TO BAN LANDMINES5th
NATIONAL CONFERENCETOWRDS
a MINE FREE WORLD AND OTTAWA TREATY
23-24 APRIL 2008, INDIA HABITAT CENTER, NEW DELHI, INDIA

Organized
by Indian Campaign to Ban landmines
Collaborating AgencyInternational
Ccommittee
of Red Cross
Supported by Government of Canada

CONCISE
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

METHODOLOGY:

The
methodology used in the Workshop was such that
participants could feel easy to understand the
proceedings of the conference.

1.
Discussion This was done to break the inhibition and
doubts of the participants, to help them explain and
analyze their viewpoints and to reduce the gap between
them and the resource person.

2.
Visual AidsExhibition
materials provided by Geneva Call, ICBL and Indian CBL,
ICRC, were displayed to keep up the interest alive and
to provide them first hand information.

3.
Video Film Video film was screened for the participants.

4.
Group discussion After inaugural and every session,
sufficient time was provided by brain storming and
discussion.

92
participants from all parts of India, State Coordinators
of Indian Campaign to Ban Landmines, Diplomats, high
ranking military/police. Intellectuals, policy makers,
politicians, youth, women, faith groups etc.
participated in the National Conference

BRIEF
REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE

The
conference begins with lighting of lamps. After the
inaugural ceremony the written Best wished for the
conference of Hon Antony, Defense Minister of India was
read.

April
23, 2008

Proceeding
of the conference start with lighting the lamp.

Dr.
Balkrishna Kurvey, Coordinator of Indian Campaign to Ban
Landmines
in his introductory speech welcomed all guest. He
apprises the delegates about the International Campaign
to Ban Landmines. Landmine is a weapon killing in slow
motion. He talked in detail about landmines planted in
1945, 1965, 1971 and Operation Parakram along India
Pakistan border in Rajasthan, Punjab and Jammu Kashmir.
In Operation Parkaram in 2002 more than one million
landmines were planted along 180miles India Pakistan
border in the state of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu
Kashmir. Due to these mines more than 50civilians lost
their lives and limbs, equal number of defense personnel
also became the pray and that too happened without a
single bullet was fired across the border and there was
no war. In India Pakistan border ignorant civilians are
victims. He urged all the delegates and State
Coordinator of Indian Campaign to Ban Landmines to take
the issue of Cluster Munitions in their respective state
and start advocacy programme and build public campaign
which will ultimately force to our political
leaders/policy makers and bureaucrats to think seriously
on this issue. Through this august gathering he has
appeal India and Pakistan to include a Ban Landmines in
their Peace Building dialogue/Measures.

Mr.
Head of Regional Delegation, International Committee of
Red Cross Vincent Nicod,
said that landmine is a most horrible weapon. Modern
wares are more horrible and only prevention is better
than cure. ICRC is not capable to end or prevent the war
or conflict. He made adequate references to events in
Mahabharata (a great Indian epic) and the advice of Lord
Krishna to Arjuna about his moral duty and said that
wars have limits. Mahabharata referred that Civilians
should be protected. But in modern wars mines being used
without distinction between civilians and military
people. Peasants are worst affected. He attracted an
attention of the members present in the hall towards
contribution of International committee of Red Cross in
the context of fatal injuries incurred by the explosion
of landmines. He appreciated the far reaching vision of
late Prime Minister of India Pandit Nehru in regards to
Red Cross. Preventive measures should be taken in
context to landmines as it is killing and maiming
innocent civilians .Preventive measure is to stop using
landmines and signed the Ottawa Treaty. He said that the
innocent civilians should be prevented from the long
reaching bad effects of the landmines blasts all over
the world. Cultivators are the most affected in the
problem stricken area to the worst extent. He referred
to the countries which have accepted the convention
initiated by Canada. As the end of his speech he
congratulated Dr, Kurvey and Indian Campaign to Ban
Landmines and appeal that all nations states should sign
the Ottawa Treaty to do away with landmines.

Mr.
Nicod also informed the ill effects of Cluster Munitions
and need to Ban Cluster Munitions

Brigadier
S.M.Mahajan, Director Military Affairs, Ministry of
External Affairs
addressed the delegates on Indian Policy on landmines.
India support the vision free of the world of Landmines
and UXO and people live peacefully. India is fully aware
of the indiscriminate use of landmines, and Committed to
Global Ban of landmines in a manner which address the
legitimate defense requirement. India is state party to
amended protocol II of CCW. Since 1 Jan 1977 India has
not produce non detectible mines and has a moratorium on
export. Production of landmines is with the Central
government agencies and not under the private sector.

Like
other states we have long border with our neighboring
counties and our security environment is necessiting
maintenance of high state of operation preparedness.
Mine field is important part of our defense plan. Mines
are laid by well trained armed forces personnel as per
protocol II. And in war time only. Govt. of India takes
the measures as per international humanitarian law.
Information is disseminated to Armed Forces and armed
forces educate the people regarding precautions.
Planting of landmines are permitted to army only and
mines are laid only in border area and marked and
fenced. We do not use landmines in maintenance of law
and order and internal security. We have taken steps in
accordance with International laws about the landmines.
We however cannot afford to ban landmines in border
region as protection of our national interests is our
main concern.

No
interior part of our country can be regarded as mine
affected. Security forces are not using mines in
internal situation though terrorists are using landmines
and Improvised Explosive Devices. Core of Engineers is
helping the civilians in defusing mines. Concerned
afford to make a victims with monetary as well as
prosthetic help is undertaken.

On
humanitarian ground India has started taking parts in
CCW conferences. India provided cooperation to UN
Demining process in Cambodia under UN umbrella. In
Afghanistan demined the road and helping in
construction. Providing Jaipur foot to affected
countries

Only
armed forces are allowed to use landmines. To victims of
landmines, India government. is giving all possible help
to them and rehabilitation work is in progress. India is
giving all possible cooperation to UNO in this regard.
India has sent the military contingents to help the
landmine victims in Cambodia, Mozambique, Afghanistan
and Sudan. The Indian Military officers are giving
training to the people in these countries. The Jaipur
foots are sent for the victims who have lost the legs in
the blast. Last but not the least he said that India is
committed to Ottawa Treaty but with certain
reservations. Indian govt. has certain limitation in
this regard. Our borders are very sensitive and there we
cannot afford to ban landmine in Toto.

The
chief guest Mr. Kenneth McCartney. Acting High
Commissioner of Canada to India
at the outset thanked the dignitaries who spoke earlier
and then explained the role of Canada in the movement
towards a Mine Free world and Ottawa Treaty. He also
referred to the countries which have joined the Ottawa
Treaty (Ban landmine Treaty).He welcomed the growing
enthusiasm in India regarding the anti landmines
movement. He said that humanitarian face of this problem
must be taken into consideration by all nations.

He
stressed that National conference like this play an
important role in India and in the region. I arrive 3
years earlier and seen the engagement by Indian CBL in
many parts of India. General. Barril from Canada visited
India and had a discussion with various government
officials and military personnel. I witness the first
hand growing interest and common goal of free of
Landmines with together by government and civil society.
As a regional and global leader India participation is
crucial. This region has a security concern. He cited
the example of Turkey and Greece arch enemy signed the
Ottawa Treaty together. There are many successes to
Ottawa Treaty. Previously every year 26,00people used to
lost their lives and limbs but last year number has been
lower down to 6000. Trade in landmines has completely
stopped. 13 states only producing the mines and last
year only 2 governments planted the landmines. We need
to bring last 93 states on board. We have also thought
of Non State Actors (militants, insurgents etc) as they
are using the landmines. We have to convince them on
humanitarian ground not to use landmines. Gradual
measures, increasing public debate, we need to finish
this job together.

Owing
to the Ottawa Treaty and awakening in regard to
landmines the number of victims is decreasing to
considerable extent. He insisted that country like India
should join the Ottawa Treaty and should stop the
production of landmines, stockpiling and should destroy
the stock of mines deposited with army. In the end he
said that Canada wants to reach the goal.

Sudhir
BhatnagarCEO of SARD
gave information about the workshops held in various
regions of India. The mine victims have been provided
with Jaipur foot. The cooperation has been sought from
Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. NGOs have shown enthusiasm in
this regard. The International Institution also has
given active support. Government of India is likely to
extend hand of cooperation in this regard. He expressed
the hope that this conference will do lot in this
direction.

After
tea break Col
Susheel Dwivedi of Indian Army delivered a lecture
on Landmine Weapons of Destructing in Slow Motion. He
informed the delegates in detail about anti personal
mines. After the blast, if you survive, you are disables
for whole life. You have no family to support; you are
depended throughout your life on somebody. Mine is
problematic. They lie in the ground waiting and do not
distinguished between the foot of soldier and child. He
said that landmine is a weapon of destruction in slow
motion. In India landmines incidents occurred in border
where medical treatment is not available. 100% mines
could not be taken out. 10% will remain in ground due to
geographical factors. Refugees returning to their
villages afraid to go to field to tile the land. Lastly
he said thatbold
steps have to be taken at high level against these
indiscriminate weapons.

Landmines
and NSAs

Dr.
Balkrishna Kurvey introduces the topic Non State Actors
and Landmines.
He informed that most armed conflicts today involve one
or more armed NSAs (militants, insurgents, secessionist
etc.) fighting government forces or each other. NSAs are
part of landmine equation, they are part of the problem
they must be part of the solution. Many NSAs are
manufactures and stockpile anti personnel mines, more
NSAs are using mines than the government forces. Mine
Ban Treaty (Ottawa Treaty) is designed for the
engagement and signature by state only. NSAs though they
are convinced regarding inhuman use of landmines could
not sign the Ottawa Treaty. Geneva Call an International
humanitarian organization created under Swiss law in
March 200to advocate mine ban among NSAs. Geneva Call
provides mechanism whereby NSAs can join the mine ban
through signature of the Deed of commitment adhere to a
total mine Ban. Government of the Republic and Canton of
Geneva is the custodian of the signed Deeds.

In
India there are many militants groups active in Jammu
Kashmir and North Eat India. Indian CBL has successful
in convincing National Socialist Council of Nagaland
(I-M most powerful NSAs in North East India) and Kuki
National Organization and they have signed the Deed of
Commitment under Geneva Call. Dr. Kurvey, appeal to all
NSAs, militants groups not to use anti-personnel
landmines on humanitarian ground and signed the Deed of
Commitment under Geneva Call. He also appeals to the
delegates from North East India to educate/convenience
the NSAs in their state on the humanitarian aspects as
per international humanitarian Law.

Col
Jassal of Assam Rifles
narrated the Socio-eco- cultural situation of North East
India and many incidents of blast of landmines and IEDs
by various Militants groups .He narrated that IEDs are
more horrible than the landmines and innocent civilians
children and womens are killed and lost their limbs.

Major
General, (Retd) Satbir Singh of Indian Army
narrated his experience and sum up the session and
welcomes the step taken by International Campaign to Ban
Landmines and Geneva Call towards convincing the NSAs to
be part of landmine Ban.

Dr.
RajkhowaProfessor of Law, Guwahati University, North
East India
spoke on Human Right and Landmine He said that with
planting of mine the chain of denial of human rights
starts. He told that there is various issues focus in
International humanitarian Laws. We must address the
problem arising from landmines from angle of Human
Rights. Rehabilitation of the victims is also very
important. Excuse by Government of India is based on the
defense preparedness and military outlook but worst
effects of landmine not taken into consideration by our
government. What about missing mines/ and victims who
lost their lives and limbs and cattle. Ruined families
and bread earners.

The
basic right Right to life is lost due to landmines. When
bread earner lost the limbs whole family suffers.
Economically, physically, psychological mental agony to
the victims. Disability loss the dignity of persons.
There are laws to disability which does not speak about
landmine sufferers, right to meaningful existence.
Livelihood affected by mine explosion. Right to life is
refused. The right to equality is declined.

Responsibility
of all citizens to help that the landmine victims lead a
dignified life in community. In North East Indian states
problem is big, we do not have law covering the victims
of land mines. Special reservation for landmines victims
is needed. . Bureaucracy has not changed their mind set.
They have not realized the plight of the victims. People
living in affected area are under constant threat.

Mr.
Bannerji Chakka Legal Department of International
Committee of Red Cross
spoke on Legal Aspect of Ottawa Treaty Narrated the
state obligation under Ottawa Treaty. The official title
is Ban on prohibition, use, stockpiling, and transport
of anti personnel mines. This obligation prevents the
further catastrophe. It is also duty of the state to
demine. Demining is difficult, it require lots of money,
skill and expertise. Educate the people in affected
area. Assistant to affected people, families, obligation
of the countries to the part of the convention.
Legislation and implementation. Reservations not
allowed. None state Actors bound by International
humanitarian Laws. And they should also ban anti
personnel landmines.

State
coordinator of various states narrated the problem in
their states.

Sayyed
Safat from Jammu Kashmir said Kashmir is no more a
heaven. From 1947 Problem stricken state. Since
partition of India, wars fought and mines laid.
Landmines problem persistent along Line of Control.
Under the guidance of Dr. Kurvey landmines survey team
collect the data of landmines victims. But to due to
snow and extreme cold weather and lack of transport,
survey could not be carried out in 3 districts of
Kashmir valley. Due to surveillance of the militancy
correct information in regard to the victims is not
easily possible. Hospitalization not easy. It is
necessary to make law to give urgent help to needy.
Medical and monetary help given to Punjab and Rajasthan
should be extended to Jammu Kashmir. Mine Risk Education
is necessary along the Line of Control. Military
personals are safe but civilians are not safe.
Requirement of psycho-economic-rehabilitation is
necessary. India Pakistan should go for anti mine treaty
to save civil population from injuries.

Dr.
Dhddich from Rajasthan
said good experience to work with Dr. Kurvey. Our team
of Rajasthan is working very hard in regard to Anti
personnel mines victims. In western Rajasthan we face
landmine problem. Mine Risk Education in school were
organized. Efforts for rehabilitation are undertaken.
The victims do not need lip service but actual
rehabilitation.

Sandeep
Kumar (Punjab) Indian Army undertook demining in
affected area. Personally contacted the victims in
border area. Poor and they are uneducated.
Rehabilitation is a main issue. Government should help.

Miss
Rumita (Assam)Factory
manufactures anti personnel mines are not in used in
Assam. It is Improvised Explosive Devises (IEDs).In
recent blast in market area, innocent civilians are
killed and injured. More than 15militants small and big
groups are active in this region out of which 25 are
big. Negotiations with support from the local people
with them are in progress to convince them to Ban
landmines.

24
April 2008

Panel
discussion on Socio-Economic Factors of Landmines
chaired by Ms Dilani Hippola, Second Secretary, Canadian
High Commission, New Delhi.

Ms
Kirsten L. Lentz, South Asia Regional Coordinator,
Handicap International
spoke on Socio-economic effects. Along with physical
loss, mines leads to psychological, emotional effects
and economic loss. . Landmine is impairment of
fundamental rights and had a Global implication. It
diverted resources and create lack of confidence among
victims. We have to work on rights on Development and
poverty reduction scheme. Displacement of people starts
the economic and human rights problem. Landmines starts
the chain loss of Agriculture and grazing land, loss of
access to infrastructure, employment, decreases in
social trust, loss of wage earner, widow, widowers,
human rights, education, stigma, discrimination, risk
behavior, . denial of agriculture, husbandry lands,
trade/transport etc.Ban
landmines forever are the only solution to these
problems.

Dr.
Nalini Kurvey, President of Nagpur Gynecological and
Obstetrician Society
narrated the landmine country cases from India. Small
device, little explosive made to injure and disable the
people. It needs pressure of half KG.Even child’s step
explodes the landmines. Most of men survive with
injuries but children have more horrible effects.
Injuries seen in civilian who are not in war is
horrible.Dr. Kurvey narrated the story of Mrs.Raj Kuwar.
She had no choice but to go to work. She lost both leg.
Women landmines victims are divorced. Children socially
out cast and their future devastated. Prosthetic very
costly. Girl landmine victims do not have future. Human
face of the problem. In war torn areas it is not a
personnel problem but a problem of society. Socio
burden. As in the medical field we say, prevention is
better than cure, for landmines it is Ban Landmines.

Dr.
Tasmina Manai of Jamia Milia Islamia University
spoke on the Scio-economic effects of landmines.

Ms
Dilani Hipploa
said that our aim and overall goal is Mine Free world.
We attached importance to this issue as Canada has taken
lead in landmine Ban. Ottawa Treaty was culminated in
December 1977. We look forward its universalization.
Canada work with India and other countries and we
continue cooperation with you for the overall goal of
mine free word. Landmines can not only a security issue
but it has always had a socio/economic and agriculture
issues.

Prakash
Tekade spoke on Impact
of Landmines on Agriculture.Agriculture
industries lead to stable life. Due to planting of
landmines agriculture land is spoiled. Landmine blast
spread toxins which disturbed the flora and fauna and
land became barren. The chemicals affect the
productivity of land, 50% production loss. In India
mines are planted in fertile land of Punjab, Sri
Ganganagar district of Rajasthan, Jammu, Kathua district
in Jammu in Kashmir and farmers lost 3 crops. India is
an agricultural country and if the land will be barren
for some years, we may face the food scarcity.

Dr.
DhadichPlanting
of landmines is directly related environmental issues.
Landmines are planted in agriculture land, water ways,
beaches, forests, mountains, deserts etc.We want to live
in Peace or Pieces?

Due
to landmines agriculture, grazing lands affected wild
life, vegetation and deterioration of soil which lead to
Global warming. Good air, water, land, should be free
from pollution. Landmines increases pollution, Research
should be undertaken in this regard. Direct impact
should be seen. Landmine destroying micro bio organism
leading to decrease of agriculture production. and
contaminated the water, air, land,

Dr.
Dilip Yardi of World
Wild Life of India
spoke on Effects of Landmines on Wild Life landmines had
done a huge damage to wild life. In 23 countries 6,
27,00animals loss life due to landmines. Plant species
not taken into consideration. Devastated land does not
produce any vegetation or fodder for animals. Eco system
is disturbed. Much information not available about
landmine effect on wild life. It takes years to revive
the devastated land. Conflict between animals for the
survival. Species of plants, ants, birds too affected.
No record of affected wild animals. Invalid animals,
nobody to take their care. In African countries,
wildlife is under threat and constantly decreasing e.g.
Gorilla, elephants, brown bears, zebras etc.7500animals
lost life in Vietnam. Strict legal action needed.
Voluntary efforts needed to stop this and International
Campaign to Ban landmines should take lead in this
humanitarian cause towards wildlife.

Ms
Roshna AryaSpoke
on Rehabilitation aspects of landmine victims and
informed the delegates the orthopedic center of ICRC in
Jammu Kashmir. Services provided to landmines as well as
other people in this center and ICRC projects to provide
artificial limbs.

Daler
Sing of Indian Red Cross spoke on Mine Risk education.Daler
Singh narrated the myths spread by films about
landmines; He also educated the delegates regarding
Cluster munitions and UXOs.Warned that never touch such
objects. Mine Risk Education should be arranged in
villages and in schools especially for the children
which will certainly lower the number of landmine
incidents.

Group
Discussion (Panel).Role of media for advocating the
issue of landmines

Mine
victims face various problems. Media should highlight
their stories. Many media persons do not know about Anti
personnel mines. Many of them are ignorant of Ottawa
Treaty. If you want media to advocate, organize workshop
for them.

Ms.TriptiPlainly
said that her knowledge about the landmines and the
connected problems is very limited. Only Indian CBL has
arranged a survey of the victims and highlighted the
plight of the sufferers. It is a global crisis. Ms.
Fatima Choudhary of Kolkata with data from Indian CBL
revealed the stories of Rajasthan.

The
people of border region should be informed through the
hording in Hindi and Gurumukhi. Government of India is
bound to provide rehabilitation to the anti personnel
landmines victims. Humanitarian approachIndia cannot escape from it. Awareness campaign
in the affected area is essential.

Chairperson
Government of India should feel responsible. Media
persons do not know the factual and on ground truth of
the victims. We should learn to report corrected
version. Media has no refrigerator to store news. They
should be in touch for the correct verification. Army
people should educate the media persons. News should
reach to media in right time.

The
concluding Session

Dr.
Kurvey thanks to the media for good coverage of the
Indian Campaign to Ban Landmines various events in all
parts of India and writing the stories of landmine
victims in their newspapers and magazines.

Mr.
Christopher Harland, Regional Legal Advisor,
International Committee of Red Cross said that uptil
now 156 countries joined the Ottawa Treaty. 4million
anti personnel landmines been destroyed. 2006 Landmine
Report shows that there is a decrease in the victims.
ICRC study reveals that landmines are not useful for any
military operation but cost wise is very expensive to
demine. 156 countries say it is not necessary. It is not
a good weapon. Cost of mine is not much but demining
process is expensive and difficult

Jan
Nicholas SchuettDy.
Head of the regional delegation, International Committee
of Red Cross
156 countries signed Ottawa Treaty and send a message
that all countries should join. Some countries like
India did not join. The discussion in this conference
shall come up with humanitarian considerations. There
should be ban on production, use and stockpile. The
process by such conference will lead to final success.
We cannot be silent on this issue and should feel
responsible to join the campaign. Make people believe in
the efforts.

Mr.
S.C.Goyal President, SARD thanks to all those who work
for this noble cause.

CONFERENCE
END

The
chief guest Mr. Kenneth McCartney. Acting High
Commissioner of Canada to India